Finally! I have to agree with Drea (who, by the way, has a tremendous amount of very valuable information on period costuming on the web), that this is what we've waited for. Sarah uses the same techniques I use, planning out on graph paper and then applying that to your basic block, but then goes much farther with explaining stitches, etc.

Period examples, taken to carefully plotted out patterns, construction, to pictures of the finished product.

VIVAT!

As a Tailor, I often find books on Costuming which lean towards Theatrical Costuming to be somewhat lacking. As a member of The Society for Creative Anachronism, with a 13th century persona, I found Ms Thursfield's book to be a huge step in the right direction. The author shows you how to make reasonably accurate medieval clothing in a clear, understandable manner. I do not use patterns from books, I prefer to draft my own; but the patterns in this book gave me some very good ideas on ways to improve my own patterns. While I wouldn't advise a novice to use this book, I found it to be full of extremely useful information. The one word of caution I would like to offer is that it is not wise to depend on any one author when doing research. That being said, if you're interested in medieval clothing, Ms Thursfield's book is worth every penny.

As others have said, this book combines historical costume research with a detailed "how to" of how to make clothing that will be period-appropriate. A fascinating read even if sewing is not your forte, and the pictures of the finished garments are inspiring.

As a beginning but steadily improving costumer in a society that attempts to recreate the middle ages, I found this book to be so invaluable that after I borrowed it from a friend, I couldn't be parted from it and bought her a brand new, replacement copy! Ms. Thursfield's book is well researched, and is the best "how to" book available on making hosen, braies, tunics, surcoats, houppelandes, other garments--not to mention the terrific hats, headdresses and hairstyles in the book. She even supplies cutting layouts and pattern drafting methods. Worth every penny of what I previously thought was too hefty a price to pay for her book. You must buy it!!

This is the best resource I have seen for recreating medieval clothing. It has detailed descriptions of how clothing was made in the 12th through 15th century and how it can be recreated as true to the original as possible. Included are basic patterns and a description of what each article of clothing was used for and how it came to be used.